Football League World
·16. November 2024
Football League World
·16. November 2024
Millwall have seen an increase in their average attendance so far this season after their positive start.
Millwall have enjoyed a strong opening few months to the Championship season, with Neil Harris continuing his fine job in charge.
The Lions turned to their former boss and club legend earlier this year for a second time, and Harris’ return ensured they survived in the second tier with relative ease.
That momentum has carried over to this campaign, with Millwall currently eighth in the table, just two points away from the play-offs.
Unsurprisingly, the bulk of the Londoners' points this season have been picked up on their own patch, as Harris and the team have turned The Den into a fortress once more.
Millwall have picked up 16 of their 23 points at The Den, which includes impressive recent wins over Burnley and Leeds United.
Such form has got the fans on board, and that is reflected in the average attendance, which is slightly up on the previous campaign.
As detailed by Transfermarkt, the Lions averaged 15,018 in the 23/24 season, and, after eight games, they are at 15,257.
Interestingly, this figure is the highest Millwall have had in modern times, so it is something the club should be proud of, and it indicates they are doing a lot right in terms of the pricing, the experience for fans, and, obviously, with what they are producing on the pitch.
The stadium does have a capacity of just over 20,000, although the lower tier of the away end isn’t always open for supporters, which reduces the number that can get through the turnstiles.
Whilst the difference may be minimal at the moment, it’s worth noting that the attendance against Leeds United was over 16,500 in the previous game, and the positive run of results may encourage fans to keep turning up.
The win over the Yorkshire outfit saw The Den at its best, as they backed the team with real vocal support to help them over the line against Daniel Farke’s side, who many expect to win automatic promotion this season.
Those on the terraces could see that the players were battling and fighting for the points, and their support helped them on as they took the lead through Japhet Tanganga, and ultimately held on for what was a huge win.
Given his connection to the club, the manager will know the importance of using the crowd to Millwall’s advantage, and if they are in the mix for a top six finish, the numbers will no doubt increase as the season progresses.
The atmosphere can make a real difference, and, as mentioned, you only have to see the fact that Millwall have picked up 16 points on their own patch to seven points on the road, to highlight the difference. Of course, it’s not all down to the noise generated, but it’s certainly a factor.
As it stands, Watford and Luton Town are the only sides to leave Millwall with maximum points, whilst Derby drew, meaning five teams have been beaten.